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Acta Prataculturae Sinica ›› 2020, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (12): 86-94.DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2020049

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Phenotypic variations among Leymus chinensis populations from different geographical areas and effects of variations on clonal propagation of the rhizome

Wu-yun BAI1,2,3(), Xiang-yang HOU1(), Zi-nian WU1, Chun-yu TIAN1, Yong DING1   

  1. 1.Institute of Grassland Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,Hohhot 010019,China
    2.Chemistry and Environmental Science College of Inner Mongolia Normal University,Hohhot 010022,China
    3.Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry,Hohhot 010022,China
  • Received:2020-02-11 Revised:2020-04-09 Online:2020-12-28 Published:2020-12-28
  • Contact: Xiang-yang HOU

Abstract:

Leymus chinensis is one of the most important forages in China, and it is widely distributed on the Eurasian steppes. Populations of L. chinensis show a high degree of phenotypic variation because of complex natural selection and the diverse environmental conditions in its wide habitat range. A common garden experiment was performed with 66 L. chinensis ramets from split geographical origins. We evaluated intraspecific variations of traits related to phenotype and reproduction of L. chinensis. Curve fitting and partial least squares regression analysis were used to analyze the effects of variable traits on the clonal propagation of L. chinensis rhizomes. The main conclusions were as follows: 1) The phenotypic and reproductive traits of L. chinensis from split geographical origins were significantly different. The environmental conditions in the original habitat had a profound and long-term effect on the phenotype and reproduction of L. chinensis. 2) The magnitude of variation differed among different traits. Leaf-related traits showed the smallest variations. Traits related to extravaginal ramets were more diverse than traits related to spatial expansion. 3) A linear relationship described the relationship between the comprehensive ability to grow clonally and the main variable traits of L. chinensis. 4) Stem height, plant height, leaf width, leaf size, and the production of multiple parent-type ramets through tillering had strong explanatory effects on the ability of L. chinensis rhizomes to grow clonally. In summary, the capacity for asexual propagation from the rhizome was strongest in L. chinensis plants with wide, large leaves. The plants with greater stem height, plant height, and strong tillering ability also showed a relatively strong capacity for asexual propagation.

Key words: Leymus chinensis, phenotype, asexual propagation, rhizome, clonal growth, intraspecific variation